July 27, 2025 · Media Releases
HWZ and Great Place To Work Switzerland | A lab for sustainable workplace and organisational culture
With the Great Place To Work Lab @ HWZ, we are launching a joint initiative with Great Place To Work Switzerland dedicated to researching, developing and actively shaping workplace and organisational culture. The aim is to open up new perspectives on collaboration within organisations – grounded in academic research, practice-oriented, and with a strong focus on people.
«We see organisational culture as a central lever for value creation – and at the same time as a key to identification, self-efficacy, and wellbeing in the workplace», explains Dr. Thomas Schneider, co-owner of Great Place To Work Switzerland and co-initiator of the Great Place To Work Lab @ HWZ. The platform is aimed at managers, HR professionals, researchers, and practitioners who engage with collaboration, leadership, and culture in organisations from a variety of perspectives.
Four pillars for impact in academia and practice
The Great Place To Work Lab @ HWZ brings together expertise from research and business practice across four key areas of activity:
1. CAS Business Culture Design HWZ
An innovative continuing education programme that provides the foundations and practical know-how for shaping a value-creation-oriented culture. «Workplace culture now determines an organisation’s attractiveness, performance and future viability», says Dr. Nicolas Berkowitsch, programme director of the CAS Business Culture Design HWZ. «In this CAS, we show how culture is not left to chance, but can be deliberately designed and simulated in advance with AI – practical, effective, and with direct benefits for your organisation.» The first intake of the programme starts in April 2026.
2. Leadership Training
A training format for leaders who wish to actively shape culture – either individually or within entire organisations.
3. Events & Community
Interactive formats provide space for exchange, inspiration, and the development of a vibrant network of cultural practitioners.
4. Individual consultation
The interdisciplinary team at the Great Place To Work Lab @ HWZ supports organisations on their journey towards a healthy, productive and future-oriented culture.
The transfer between theory and practice is a central concern for us. We aim to support organisations in addressing current challenges from a cultural perspective and in developing scientifically grounded solutions.
Strong network – collective impact
In the past, the Great Place To Work team has already had the opportunity to work successfully with renowned companies such as LGT, Generali, Zweifel, Allianz, Sensirion and blue Entertainment AG as part of HWZ teaching activities. Together with a growing community of dedicated members, this creates a space for thinking, experimenting and putting ideas into practice.
We believe that genuine cultural development arises from collaboration – within ecosystems connecting people, disciplines, and organisations. The Great Place To Work Lab @ HWZ is our contribution to a new world of work.
About Great Place To Work
Great Place To Work® is an international consultancy that has been supporting organisations in developing a trust-based workplace culture for over 30 years. In Switzerland, it has been present since 2008, with offices in Zurich and Lausanne.
Using a proven model based on employee surveys and a culture audit, Great Place To Work® analyses and promotes organisational culture. The aim is to unlock employee potential, increase value creation, and foster a positive working environment through trust, values, and leadership.
Each year, over 280 organisations in Switzerland are evaluated. The results form the basis for certifications such as Great Place To Work®, Best Workplaces™ and «Great Start!» for training companies.
